Sports History Network

Pro Football in the 1970s is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear . JOE ZAGORSKI'S BOOKS ON AMAZON From the Outhouse to the Penthouse: The Football Journey of Hall of Famer Larry Little Free Spirit at Free Safety: The Incredible (But True!) Football Journey of Bill Bradley The 2,003-Yard Odyssey: The Juice, The Electric Company, and an Epic Run...

In 1979, the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Washington Bullets in game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the first major professional sports title for Seattle since 1917. In 2014, LA King Justin Williams scored his seventh goal in career game playoff game sevens, earning him the nickname of 'Mr. Game Seven.' In 1957, Cal-Berkeley junior Don Bowden became the first American to run a sub 4-minute mile. In 19...

This episode delves into the historical significance of three esteemed stadiums in college football, each named in honor of remarkable individuals whose contributions to the sport and their respective programs are profound. We explore Michi Stadium at West Point, paying tribute to Dennis Michi, the visionary who established the Army football program and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country....

Throughout the 1980's, the New York Giants were one of the premier teams in football, led by Bill Parcells, Lawrence Taylor, and Phil Simms. But by 1991, Parcells had left the team, Taylor was showing his age, and Simms had been benched for Jeff Hostetler. Coached by Ray Handley, the aging Giants struggled through two mediocre seasons in 1991 and 1992. In this episode, Andrew and Dan recount one o...

In 2002, Senegal upset France 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup. In 1999, San Antonio's Sean Elliott hit his 6th 3-pointer to give the Spurs the win over Portland in game 2 of the WCF. In 1927, Detroit's first baseman Johnny Neun recorded an unassisted triple play against Cleveland. It was the second day that an unassisted triple play had been recorded in MLB. There wasn't another one...

Total Sports Recall (TSR) is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . TOTAL SPORTS RECALL HOMEPAGE EPISODE SUMMARY This episode takes a look back at some of the best sports announcers in Pittsburgh history. Audio clips of Bob Prince, Jack Fleming, Mike Lange, and Lanny Frattare are included. If you are from Pittsburgh this is an episode that will bring back mem...

In 1946, Bama Rowell hit a monster home run at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field that shattered glass on a clock above the scoreboard, raining shards down on the field. It inspired the triumphant scene in the movie, "The Natural." In 1976, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to start a NASCAR race when she raced the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 1973, a crew member working the Indianapolis...

In 1995, Indiana beat Orlando in game four of the ECF as Rik Smits hit the game winner with no time left. The Magic and Pacers scored 11 points in the final 13.3 seconds. In 1976, Joe Niekro hit a homer off his brother Phil in a win for the Houston Astros. In 1982, the Minnesota Twins pulled off a strikeout triple play. In 1974, Texas' Lenny Randle laid down a bunt and then attacked the pitcher co...

In 1985, prior to a European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus, a fight broke out in the stands. By the time the dust settled, 38 people died and 580 were injured. A 39th victim died later at the hospital.

The episode elucidates the significant impact of Larry Kelly, a Yale football player, who was born on May 30, 1915. His audacious and controversial play during a 1936 game against the Navy Midshipmen not only led to a pivotal touchdown for Yale but also ignited a national debate regarding the legality of kicking a loose ball, subsequently resulting in the establishment of the so-called "Larry Kell...

In 1957, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants given the go-ahead to move west. in 1956, Pittsburgh's Dale Long hit a home run in his 8th straight game. In 2006, Barry Bonds hit career homer #715, passing Babe Ruth for second on the all-time list. In 1985, Philadelphia goalie Pelle Lindbergh requested a water bottle to put on top of the net. Edmonton asked if he wanted a picnic basket or a...

In 1991, the Chicago Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons to advance to the NBA Finals. In 1937, New York Giant pitcher Carl Hubbell won his 24th straight game. In 1981, Seattle Mariner Lenny Randle blew a slow roller, foul. In 1943, the plane that former Olympian Louis Zamperini was flying in, suffered mechanical difficulties and crashed into the ocean 850 miles from Oahu. In 2001, Tony Stewart became...

Back in 1979, Magic Johnson defied basketball convention. Analysts at the time could not figure out which position he would play when coming to the NBA. Would he play point guard? His dribble wasn’t strong enough. What about power forward? His post game wasn’t strong enough. He was a conundrum that broke the mold of what an NBA point guard should be. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, a...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE EPISODE SUMMARY From 1949 to 1954, the Minneapolis Lakers won five NBA titles. They reached the Finals again in 1959 but lost to the Celtics. The Lakers moved to LA before the start of the 1960-1961 season. They reached the NBA Finals again in 1962 and 1963, but lost to...

In 1959, Harvey Haddix pitched 12 innings of perfect baseball but lost it and the game in the 13th. In 1987, Larry Bird stole an Isaiah Thomas inbound pass, found a cutting Dennis Johnson to the basket in a Boston Celtics win in the playoffs. In 1969, the NFL and ABC agreed to put a professional football game on Monday night beginning in 1970.

This episode elucidates the intriguing historical narrative surrounding the British influence on American football, particularly focusing on the period when British enthusiasts sought to persuade Americans to abandon their modified version of the sport in favor of traditional rugby. We engage in a comprehensive discussion with Timothy Brown of footballarchaeology.com, who provides invaluable insig...

In 1965, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch with what many thought was a 'phantom punch.' In 1935, Babe Ruth hit the final home runs of his career when he hit three in a loss at Pittsburgh. His final career homer was belted completely out of Forbes Field, the first time that had happened since it opened in 1909. In 1964, 328 people died in Lima, Peru in the w...

The Pro Football Time Machine is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY Covering the career of Chuck Bednarik: The Legacy of the NFL's Last Two-Way Player. THE PRO FOOTBALL TIME MACHINE BACKGROUND PRO FOOTBALL TIME MACHINE WEB PAGE Every two weeks, you’ll take a trip with me and Zo-Zo the cat to discover events and people who contributed, each...

This episode elucidates the remarkable coaching strategies of two legendary figures in football history, Bill Belichick and Knute Rockne. We delve into their innovative tactics that not only exemplify their mastery of the game but also led to significant alterations in the rules governing the sport. The narrative commences with a captivating anecdote about Coach Rockne, highlighting his meticulous...

In 1981, the 65th running of the Indianapolis 500 featured horrific accidents and an illegal move under yellow that left the winner of the race unknown for five months. In 1935, the first night Major League Baseball game was played at Cincinnati's Crosley Field. In 1920, undercover officers cracked down on betting at Wrigley Field, arresting 47.

In 1923, Gene Tunney fought Harry Greb, aka the Pittsburgh Wildcat, for the Light Heavyweight title. Greb won a controversial split decision. In 1924, Tunney and Greb fought again with Tunney winning a unanimous decision. In 2021, Phil Mickelson won the PGA Championship at Kiawah, becoming the oldest to win a major tournament. In 1977, Jack Nicklaus won The Memorial at Muirfield on a course he des...

The Official PFRA Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . LINKS The Official PFRA Podcast Website The Professional Football Researchers Association Website EPISODE SUMMARY Check out Jon & George's discussion with Ron Mix, President of the Pro Football Retired Players Association Board of Directors. Mix played for the Chargers and is a Hall of Fa...

In 2009, LeBron James hit his first playoff game-winner against Orlando. In 1975, the Kentucky Colonels beat the Indianapolis Pacers in game five of the ABA Championship to win the title. In 1976, boxer Oscar ‘Ringo’ Bonavena was shot and killed outside the Mustang Ranch brothel. In 1963, New York Yankee Mickey Mantle hit a monster shot at Yankee Stadium.

StatMan and Robin is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY With this introduction episode, we sit down and talk about some of our favorite things from our time following Baltimore sports. STATMAN AND ROBIN BACKGROUND The city of Baltimore has a rich sports history dating back to the “Hit ‘em where they ain’t” Orioles of the 1890’s. Since then...

In 1986, Houston's Ralph Sampson scored the game winner as time expired to propel the Rockets into the NBA Final. In 2009, the Denver Nuggets beat the LA Lakers in a playoff game for the first time in 24 years. In 1989, Rusty Wallace sent Darrell Waltrip spinning through the infield grass in what became known as the 'Tide Slide.' In 1952, the Brooklyn Dodgers scored 15 runs in the first inning to...